Children are particularly vulnerable to mobile phone radiation ... they have thinner skulls than adults, and their brains are still developing; hence radiation penetrates more deeply and is likely to cause more damage. US epidemiologist Dr Deva Davis advises in her book Disconnect that parents ensure their children use their mobile phones with a head set or a speaker phone and that they only use their mobiles in emergencies.

Indeed, a resolution by the International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety, signed by 54 scientists strongly advises limiting the use of mobile phones and other similar devices by young children and teenagers.

In France it is illegal to market mobile phones to children under 12 and their use is banned in primary schools. Russian officials have recommended that children under 18 not use them at all.

Let’s all try to be a bit more rational about our mobile phone use. Use line connections where possible, think twice about making that call, and keep calls as brief as possible. Use other modes of communication, texting, email . . . even better meet face to face...far more satisfactory than holding a radiated device to your brain and much more visually stimulating as well!